MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Coon Rapids Promotes Organics Recycling Program During Earth Month

COON RAPIDS, MN. (April 29) The City of Coon Rapids is encouraging residents to enroll in its organics recycling program as part of April’s Earth Month programming, an initiative led in coordination with the city’s Sustainability Commission to reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The voluntary program allows residents to recycle food scraps and other compostable materials, which are processed into usable compost rather than sent to landfills.

Participation and Registration

The program is open to all residents of Anoka County. Individuals can register in person at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center or by contacting the city at 763-767-6485.

Upon registration, participants may pick up a free kitchen collection bucket at the Recycling Center. While supplies are available, the city also provides a free bag of compost and reusable produce bags.

Collection and Storage Guidelines

Residents may use the city-provided container or their own. City guidance recommends using a container with a vented lid to reduce moisture and odor. Some participants store organic materials in a refrigerator or freezer until drop-off.

Collected materials must be placed in BPI-certified compostable bags or plain paper bags. Three-gallon compostable bags are available at the drop-off area, and larger bags are available inside the Recycling Center building.

Drop-Off Locations

Organics recycling is available 24 hours a day at designated sites across the city:

• Recycling Center: 1827 111th Avenue NW
• Northdale Boulevard site: 1008 Northdale Boulevard NW
• Coon Rapids Ice Center: 11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard NW

City officials advise residents to avoid blocking traffic when using the drop-off areas.

Accepted Materials

The program accepts a broad range of organic waste, including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, bones, and dairy products
• Eggs and eggshells
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Food-soiled, uncoated paper products such as pizza boxes and paper towels
• Certified compostable products labeled with the BPI logo

Plastic packaging, cleaning wipes, dryer sheets, pet waste, and yard waste are not accepted.

Environmental Impact

City officials state that organics recycling reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills and helps limit methane emissions generated by decomposing food waste. Compost produced through the program is reused as a soil amendment, supporting sustainable waste management practices.

More information about the program and Earth Month activities is available on the City of Coon Rapids website.

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